Throughout the 1900s, the city of Toronto struggled to consistently support a 'top flight' professional soccer franchise.

The most notable effort was made by the Toronto Blizzard in the 1970's and 1980's.

Playing out of Varsity Stadium at the University of Toronto, the Blizzard were on the losing side of both the 1983 and 1984 'Soccer Bowl'. Afterwards, the North American Soccer League (NASL) folded, and so did the Blizzard.

Since that time, Canada men's squad has appeared in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and won the Gold Cup in 2000. To date, Canada's highest FIFA ranking is 40th (December, 1996). The women's side has enjoyed much better success, and is consistently ranked amongst the top ten nations.

As the millennium came and went, the world's game was getting more and more attention. Fans had become more knowledgable--and it was time for change.

Original plans were drawn up for a facility in roughly the same location that was eventually chosen. However, this early version included a large canopy/roof, hotel and accomodations for CFL Football.

The stands at each end of the field were designed to expand and retract--allowing for a larger football field or an intimate soccer pitch. This project was simply too much to handle--and it was scrapped for cheaper alternatives.

Hopes for a stadium were renewed when York University was willing to negotiate a deal. The school was willing to provide land for the opportunity to bring the stadium--and potential business--north of the city. At one point, this project looked like it was close to fruition.

However, over time, pieces of the puzzle began to fall out of place. Although the 30,000 seat design was impressive--it was also expensive. Eventually, the CFL's Toronto Argonauts had a change of heart after an offer of free rent at the Rogers Centre right downtown. Once again, a stadium deal had fallen through.

By mid 2005, a new deal was essential. The facility was needed for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Limited (MLSEL) had been awarded a Major League Soccer franchise on the condition of securing a soccer-specific building.

After briefly considering the old Downsview Airport site, Toronto Mayor David Miller convinced all parties to re-visit the exhibition grounds. Once features were removed to reduce cost--a deal was agreed.

Estimated cost is $72-million. The federal government provided $27-million while the provincial government paid $8-million.

MLSEL paid another $8-million towards construction and $10-million for naming rights. The city of Toronto provided land, worth approximately $9.8-million and maintains ownership.

On September 20, 2006 a deal with BMO Financial Group was announced--renaming the building BMO Field.